Foul Play by Janet Evanovich Read Free Book Online Page B

her nose. “Poor bird. All those years on a dirty old chicken farm, and just when he makes it big…tragedy strikes.”
    Jake bit his lip. This woman was going to be in deep trouble when the chicken died; the chicken had all the brains. “I’ll do what I can for him.”
    It was six-thirty when Amy shut her computer down for the day, switched the phone over to the answering machine, and walked down the short hall, looking for Jake. She found him in intensive care, studying his patients, his thumbs hooked into his jeans pockets.
    â€œThe puppy looks good,” she offered.
    Jake smiled. “He’s a feisty little guy. Scarfed down all his food today.”
    There was only one other occupant in the small room, and Amy didn’t know what tosay about it. The rooster looked awful. “Did anything show up on Red’s tests?”
    Jake shook his head no.
    â€œYou think he’ll be okay?”
    â€œJust between you and me, Amy,” Jake said, his voice reflecting the helplessness he felt, “my professional opinion is that he’s cock-a-doodled his last doodle.”
    â€œHow awful.”
    Jake stared thoughtfully at the bird. “I’d like to think of him as a very old rooster that’s led one hell of a life and is going out in a blaze of glory.”
    â€œIt’s still sad. He’s kind of pretty.”
    â€œHe might perk up. Maybe he’s just not cut out for show biz. Hot lights and a lot of noise aren’t parts of a rooster’s natural environment. We’ll let him have a restful night and reevaluate his condition first thing tomorrow.”
    Amy slumped against the wall. “Boy, I feel really crummy about this. In all honesty, there’s a part of me that’s still bitter about being replaced by this chicken. I’m not mad at him, really, but I wouldn’t mind seeingthe station have second thoughts on Monday morning.”
    â€œMaybe you should iron your clown suit tonight. Just in case.”
    Amy shook her head. “They made up their mind to have a new format. If it isn’t the chicken, it’ll be something else. Something new. Besides, there’s still the star’s trainer.”
    â€œThat trainer looks like a real dunderhead.”
    â€œShe has mega cleavage,” Amy said wistfully.
    Jake adjusted the IV on the puppy and closed the cage door. “I don’t think cleavage is going to help her when they discover she’s a lot less entertaining than her pet.”
    â€œAre you kidding me? We’re talking about a station that hired a bird to host a children’s show! You honestly think there’s any logic to their thinking?”
    She was right, Jake thought. What a shame. Amy had to keep working as his receptionist. He made a concerted effort not to look ecstatic, but wasn’t totally successful.
    â€œWell, you seem a little happier, anyway.”
    â€œMe? I guess it’s because…I’m looking forward to our running date tonight.”
    â€œRunning!” Amy thunked her forehead with her fist. “I’d completely forgotten.” Running would be wonderful, just what she needed after a day like today. She smiled brightly and slung her purse over her shoulder.
    â€œGive me ten minutes to drive home and three minutes to change,” she said, heading for the door.
    Jake watched Amy disappear, then glanced at the time. In approximately one hour he’d be nicely refreshed from a leisurely workout and relaxing in the cool comfort of Amy’s living room. Then maybe they’d move into the kitchen for an informal supper. Then what? Hmmm. Okay!
    He shook his head in disgust. “Elliott,” he said, “you’re a barbarian.” Remember the plan about letting her make the first move? Have some patience, for crying out loud.
    Actually, he figured, he probably should take her out somewhere. It was Friday night. He didn’t want to share her, though.